Psalms 145:20
The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
Original Language Analysis
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר
preserveth
H8104
שׁוֹמֵ֣ר
preserveth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֹהֲבָ֑יו
all them that love
H157
אֹהֲבָ֑יו
all them that love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
5 of 9
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Exodus 20:6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.Psalms 97:10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.Psalms 31:23O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.Psalms 9:5Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.Psalms 9:17The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Psalms 37:28For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Historical Context
The psalm's conclusion returns to Psalm 1's two ways: the way of the righteous (preserved) and the way of the wicked (destroyed). This binary framework structured Israelite covenant theology—blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The New Testament affirms this ultimate division (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's preservation of those who love Him differ from worldly notions of divine protection guaranteeing comfort?
- What should be the church's posture toward the coming destruction of the wicked—indifference, satisfaction, grief?
- How can believers maintain confidence in God's preservation during seasons of severe trial or persecution?
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. Divine preservation and destruction sharply contrasted—shomer Yahweh et-kol-ohavav (שֹׁמֵר יְהוָה אֶת־כָּל־אֹהֲבָיו) "Yahweh keeps/guards all who love Him." Shomer (שֹׁמֵר) means watchful protection, diligent preservation. God's ohavav (אֹהֲבָיו) "ones loving Him" receive eternal security, echoing Romans 8:28-39—nothing can separate them from God's love.
All the wicked will he destroy (ve'et kol-harĕsha'im yashmid, וְאֵת כָּל־הָרְשָׁעִים יַשְׁמִיד)—yashmid (יַשְׁמִיד) means utter destruction, annihilation. The absolute contrast (all who love Him preserved / all wicked destroyed) eliminates middle ground. This anticipates final judgment where Christ separates sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31-46).